What Is Viral Load Testing
Viral load tests measure the amount of HIV particles in blood specimens. This test indicates how active the virus is in the body.
The higher the number, the more active the virus.
Why Is Viral Load Testing Helpful?
Viral load test results provide important information that is used in conjunction with the CD4 count to monitor the status of HIV disease,
to guide recommendations for therapy, and to predict its future course.
There is good evidence that keeping the viral load as low as
possible for as long as
possible will decrease the likelihood of developing
complications of HIV infections and prolong life.
What Does "Undetectable" Mean?
Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood specimen
the test cannot measure the amount of virus present.
This does not mean that the virus is gone or cured.
There may still be active virus in the lymph nodes.
Patients have to take their HAART medications every day in order to
suppress the virus. When we start
patients on medication we hope to see the viral load test fall to
undetectable levels
Any patient who has a viral load of 10,000 or greater should start
medication
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